From the opening tip, Westbrook proved not much had changed. His mentality was still to be ultra-aggressive, a fact that showed when he drew two fouls on his first possession.

That method would pay off for Westbrook, as it always has. His first points of the night would come on two free throws, and he'd finish the game 11-of-14 from the line.

The rest of Westbrook's numbers weren't exactly pretty. He finished with 21 points on 5-of-16 shooting, with seven assists and four rebounds in a 103-96 OKC Thunder win over the Phoenix Suns.

But there was one comforting thing about Sunday night: It was simply Russ being Russ.

"It felt good," said Westbrook, speaking postgame on NBATV. "We won. That's all that matters. I found my rhythm."

There were moments when he was a bit too aggressive, but more often his approach was just right. He ran the floor hard, planted hard and and jumped hard. It was exactly what the Oklahoma City Thunder wanted to see from a player who had recovered from his first ever injury, from the first missed games of his basketball career—high school, college and pro.

For a time, the Suns seemed to be feeling out Westbrook as much as he was feeling out his post-injury body. Eric Bledsoe and other Suns defenders ceded the lane on multiple occasions, almost daring Westbrook to take it to the basket. Of course, he obliged, driving to either side, which led to scoring drives, assists or movement that would resulted in points for teammates.

Westbrook, who started with no restrictions, played 32 minutes in his return. They were all high-energy.

Westbrook flashed his trademark athleticism and energy, and the effect on his team was obvious. As talented as Kevin Durant is, Westbrook is the pulse of the Thunder. That much could be felt on Sunday. Durant posted 33 points and 10 rebounds, but he did so quietly, if that's possible.

All eyes were focused on Westbrook from the moment Durant allowed his running mate's name to be called last in pregame introductions and fans welcomed Westbrook with feverish excitement.

When the excitement died down and the game started, the focus shifted to Westbrook's play. He didn't disappoint. Westbrook didn't favor his right knee at any point, moving freely through screens on defense and flowing through offense with proper timing.

As the game came to a close, Westbrook was back where he started—at the free-throw line. He secured a Thunder win in their home opener with two made free throws as fans chanted his name. For Westbrook, Day No. 1 was a good day.